Friday, November 27, 2009

Masjid Istiqlal

Masjid Istiqlal is a mosque located in the capital of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta. This mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Mosque was initiated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the time, Ir. Sukarno in which the first stone erection, as a sign of the start of construction of Istiqlal Mosque conducted by Ir. Sukarno on August 24, 1961. Istiqlal Mosque is the architect Frederich Silaban.Besides being used as an activity of Muslim worship, the mosque was also used as the Indonesian Ulema Council offices, social activities, and general activities. The mosque is also a tourist attraction famous in Jakarta. Most tourists visiting domestic tourists generally, and some foreign tourists who were Muslim. It is not known whether the non-Muslim people can visit this mosque.On each day of Islam such as Idul Fitri, Idul Adha and the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, president of the Republic of Indonesia has always held a religious activity in this mosque which was broadcast live on television.

The word "mosque" in English refers to all types of buildings dedicated for Islamic worship, although there is a distinction in Arabic between the smaller masjid dedicated for the daily five prayers and the larger masjid jāmi‘ (مسجد جامع) where the daily five prayers and the Friday congregation sermons are held with a high volume of attendance. The masjid jāmi‘ also plays more roles such as teaching Qur'an and educating future imams.